Canadian Rider Derek Gee Faces 30 Million Euro Damages Claim Following Agreement Ending Due to 'Personal Belief'
Canadian cyclist Derek Gee has revealed he is confronting a massive legal demand totaling €30 million from his former team, Israel-Premier Tech. This comes after his choice to end his contract based on what he described as "deeply held convictions."
Race Exit and Underlying Reasons
The 28-year-old, after placing fourth overall at this year’s Giro d’Italia, departed from his team just prior to September’s Vuelta a España. The event experienced widespread pro-Palestinian protests connected with Israel’s offensive in Gaza.
"I ended my agreement with just cause, which is anyone's entitlement when they are unable to keep fulfilling their work under the existing circumstances," Gee stated on his social media accounts.
He noted that the decision was carefully considered and came after a broken relationship with the team's leader, in addition to serious concerns related to racing for the team from safety and personal-belief standpoint. These factors weighed heavily on his moral judgment, he added.
Team’s Response and Legal Proceedings
The team informed Reuters they could not to comment on the matter as the case is now with the arbitral board of cycling's governing body, the international cycling union. The news agency also reached out to the UCI for their input.
Gee acknowledged that departing from Israel-Premier Tech left him without an agreement or insurance if he were injured, but added this was a chance he accepted as he could no longer continue racing for the team.
Substantial Demand and Team Changes
"I understand the team has a different view," Gee went on. "Yet, I am now facing what I understand to be a financial demand reportedly over around 30 million euros – for doing nothing more than exercising my fundamental rights as a professional and individual."
He shared that this situation strengthens my belief that leaving the team was the right decision, despite the team's recent statement about rebranding and cosmetic structural shifts.
It remains unclear what the €30m figure represents. Riders typically earn just a small portion of that amount throughout their careers.
Separately, the team announced on Monday that they would undergo a full rebrand for the 2026 season, distancing themselves from their current Israeli branding after more than a decade.